| Monella | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Tinto Brass |
| Written by |
|
| Story by |
|
| Produced by | Giovanni Bertolucci |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Massimo Di Venanzo |
| Edited by | Tinto Brass |
| Music by | Pino Donaggio |
Release date |
|
Running time | 105 minutes |
| Country | Italy |
| Language | Italian |
| Budget | $2,400,000 |
Monella (titled Frivolous Lola in English-speaking markets) is a 1998 Italian comedy-erotic film directed by Tinto Brass.
In the 1960s, in the Veneto region, two young people named Lola and Tommaso come from completely different worlds. Tommaso is the son of a wealthy family that owns a small bakery, which he is trying to expand into a larger factory to take advantage of the economic boom. His family, especially his mother, is very strict about social appearances and values. On the other hand, Lola is a bold and free-spirited girl whose mother, Zaira, used to work as a stewardess on the passenger ship Normandie and now lives with André, the former chef of the same ship. Their relationship is complicated, and it is possible that Lola is André’s daughter.
Because of Lola’s character and past, Tommaso has decided to abstain from sexual relations with her until marriage, while satisfying his desires with other women, including prostitutes. However, Lola cannot bear the wait and tries to attract his attention through provocative behavior and daring walks. The film mainly focuses on Lola’s attempts to seduce Tommaso.
Lola’s first attempt to get close to Tommaso in the bakery’s storage room is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Tommaso’s apprentice. A second attempt also fails during a walk by the riverbank.
Later, in a café, a serious argument breaks out between them. Lola draws attention by dancing to the song “Let’s Twist Again” with three unknown soldiers, but Tommaso interrupts the dance and gets into a fight with them. After this incident, their paths diverge: Lola gets into a car with a stranger who tries to seduce her, but she manages to escape; meanwhile, Tommaso takes his anger out on a prostitute, insulting Lola in the process.
Lola then tries to attract André, who is interested in her, but her mother’s intervention stops this from succeeding.
Finally, Lola schemes and pretends she has been assaulted by the stranger in the car. Instead of feeling sympathy, Tommaso becomes angry that someone else has been with his fiancée before him. He then abandons his previous intentions and finally makes love to Lola for the first time, although he still directs his usual insults at her. This marks the beginning of their married life.
In the end, they get married and invite all their friends to the wedding feast. There is a rumor that Lola also has a relationship with André during the celebration, without Tommaso knowing about it.
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